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The Roles and Socio-Cultural Significance of Traditional Occupational Titles in the Kano Emirate

By

1Musa Suleiman & 2Dr. Aisha Umar Adamu

1Department of Hausa, Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, Kano State, Nigeria

2Department of Nigerian Languages, Northwest University, Kano State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author’s email & Phone: musasuleiman424@gmail.com, +1238061256096

Abstract

This paper investigates the cultural and political significance of traditional occupational titles within the Kano Emirate, focusing on their roles in sustaining the emirate’s socio-political order. The study pursues two core objectives: first, to examine the status of occupational titles in the Kano Emirate; and second, to analyze the specific functions of the Chief of Butchers (Sarkin Fawa), Chief of Bone Setters (Sarkin Ɗori), Chief of Builders (Sarkin Gini), and Chief of Blacksmiths (Sarkin Ƙira). The research is grounded in the Structural Theory of Culture, whose foundations can be traced to Ferdinand de Saussure’s structuralist ideas (Dobie, 2002; Hassan, 2015). The framework is further enriched by the contributions of scholars such as Auguste Comte (1853), Herbert Spencer (1876-1896), Emile Durkheim (1893-1984), Max Weber (1946), A. R. Radcliffe-Brown (1952) and Bronisław, Malinowski (1944), all of whom advanced structuralist interpretations of culture and society (Mahuta, 2000; Otite, 1978). Methodologically, the study combines textual analysis of secondary sources including books, theses, and journal articles with oral interviews conducted among individuals knowledgeable about the Kano Emirate. Findings demonstrate that occupational titles remain central to the emirate’s cultural identity and governance structure. In particular, the offices of Sarkin Fawa, Sarkin Ɗori, Sarkin Gini, and Sarkin Ƙira highlight how the specialized crafts were historically institutionalized within traditional authority systems.

Keywords: Role, Socio-Culture, Occupational Titles, Tradition, Emirate, Kano.

                                                                                                               

1.0 Introduction

The early social life of the Hausa people laid the foundation for the development of power, authority, and leadership, which later gave rise to the traditional political system known today as Sarauta (traditional kingship). This system developed gradually through organized social structures that guided how leadership and authority were exercised in Hausa society. It began at the family level, with the household head (mai gida) and his family, and extended to the communal living system (Gandu).

As communities expanded, neighborhoods (Unguwa) emerged under the leadership of ward heads (mai unguwa). With population growth and the increase in the number of settlements, village leadership positions such as dagaci or maigari were established to oversee groups of neighborhoods known as villages (Ƙauye). As villages continued to multiply, a higher level of leadership emerged in the form of Hakimai (District heads), who supervised larger areas, while above them stood the Sarki (king), who held authority over the entire territory.[1]

This hierarchical system of leadership in Hausa land developed like layered structures, where authority flows from the top downward. The Sarki occupies the highest position, overseeing the whole society, while hakimai and dagatai receive their authority and instructions from him.[2]

Within this traditional leadership system, there also exist traditional occupational titles (Sarautun Sana’o’in Gargajiya). These titles are held by leaders who organize, guide, and supervise groups of people engaged in specific traditional occupations. Each occupation has its own leader, responsible for maintaining order, resolving disputes, and ensuring that the profession operates in a structured and organized manner.

In simple terms, the purpose of this research is to examine the importance and roles of traditional occupational titles, with special focus on their status in the Kano Emirate. Based on this, the study is guided by two main objectives:

a. To explain the status and significance of traditional occupational titles in the Kano Emirate.
b. To examine the roles and functions of the traditional occupational titles of Blacksmithing (ƙira),
Chief of Butchers (fawa) bone setters (Ɗori), and Building production (Gini) in the Kano Emirate.

1.1 Methodology

This study is based on data collected directly from primary sources. These sources consist mainly of selected traditional occupational titles included in the research sample. Interviews were conducted with experts and individuals who possess in-depth knowledge of these traditional titles. In addition, the study made use of secondary sources by consulting the works of scholars and researchers in their publications, which provided valuable guidance and intellectual support for the conduct of this research.

The study is anchored on the Structural Theory of Culture (Structural Theory of Society/Culture). This theory examines society and culture through their structures and systems, focusing on how social groups, traditions, and cultural practices are organized and how people within these structures live and interact. It views society as an organized system made up of interconnected layers and components, and it studies culture as a structured whole at a particular point in time (Bello, 2016, pg. 25).

Scholars who developed and advanced this theory built its foundations on the works of Ferdinand de Saussure, who is widely regarded as the pioneer of structuralist thought, especially in relation to the concept of “structure” (Dobie, 2002, pg. 35; Hassan, 2015, pg. 182). Some cultural scholars also trace the intellectual roots of the theory to Charles Darwin, with its later development and expansion influenced by other thinkers such as (Auguste Comte,1853), a French philosopher.

Several scholars have applied this theoretical framework in their studies. Among them is Bunza (2006), who authored the book Gadon Feɗe Al’ada. Ado (2017) also applied this theory in his PhD thesis titled Sana’ar Gardancin Hausawa: Asalinta da Yadda Take, while Rumah (2018) used the same theoretical approach in his Master’s thesis titled Nazarin Wasu Sarautun Karramawa a Masarautar Katsina.

Based on this perspective, it is clear that traditional occupational titles play wide-ranging roles in the social, cultural, and economic life of the Hausa people. However, this study is limited to only four (4) traditional occupational titles, which serve as the research sample. These are:

I. The traditional title of Sarkin Ɗori (Chief of born setters ).
II.. The traditional title of Sarkin Fawa (Chief of butchers )
III. The traditional title of Sarkin Gini (Chief of Builders)
IV. The traditional title of Sarkin Ƙira (Chief of Blacksmiths)

1.2 Conceptual Clarification of Key Terms

This section explains the key concepts that form the foundation of this research. Clarifying these terms helps to provide better understanding and clearer interpretation of the study.

1.2.1 Status (Matsayi)

In this section, different scholarly views on the meaning of status are reviewed. According to the Hausa Dictionary (2006, pg. 340), status is defined as “a condition, position, or place.” Similarly, Newman and Rozana (2020, pg. 182) describe it as “a position, place, or condition.”

Based on these explanations, this study understands status as a responsibility or role assigned to a person within a particular social environment, where the person is entrusted with leadership, supervision, or management over certain people, duties, or activities under their authority.

1.2.2 Traditional Authority / Kingship (Sarauta)

Many scholars have attempted to define the concept of Sarauta (traditional authority/kingship). Umar (1987, pg. 10) explains Sarauta as governance in Hausa society based on accepted leadership structures, including giving instructions, making judgments, settling disputes, and managing public affairs. Alhassan et al. (1982, pg. 66) describe it as leadership and guidance in people’s collective social life. Gusau (1988, pg. 24) views Sarauta as leadership aimed at protecting religion, managing political affairs, ensuring social welfare, and improving economic conditions. Bello (1991, pg. 1) defines it as authority or power held by an individual or group over others, including the right to give commands and enforce decisions. Yahaya et al. (1992, pg. 73) describe Sarauta as leadership responsibility involving protection of life and property, social justice, legal governance, and external relations. Gaya (1998, pg. 10) sees it as fair governance, protection of citizens’ rights, and promotion of welfare. The Bayero University Hausa Dictionary (2006, pg. 391) simply defines Sarauta as traditional leadership.

From these perspectives, this study defines Sarauta as: A system of leadership through which a community is governed, protected, and guided, involving the protection of life and property, provision of security, management of economic and social affairs, conflict resolution, administration of justice, protection of rights, and general organization of everyday life within the community .

1.2.3 Occupation/Profession (Sana’a)

Scholars have also contributed various definitions of sana’a (occupation/profession). Musa (1991) describes it as a means through which humans use the skills and abilities given by God to meet daily living needs. Sani (1995) defines it as the intelligent and wise use of resources and blessings available to humans for everyday survival. Muhammad and Ibrahim (2004) view it as the processing and utilization of natural resources such as crops, animals, plants, minerals, stones, and water for livelihood and consumption. Muhammad (2019) expands this understanding by defining sana’a as activities involving buying and selling, daily economic transactions, and transforming materials from one form into another.

Despite these varying views, they all point to a common understanding that every occupation has its own methods, practitioners, working spaces, and operational systems. Based on these definitions, this study understands sana’a as: A structured means through which a community processes and utilizes available resources for production, trade, and services in order to meet social needs and secure daily livelihood and economic survival.

1.3 Historical Overview of the Kano Emirate

The history of the Kano Emirate is well known within Hausa land. This is largely due to the prominence of the emirate and the richness of its historical heritage, which has made it a major subject of scholarly research. Numerous academic studies at different levels of education have been conducted on Kano, reflecting its political, cultural, and historical significance. Scholars such as (Gaya,1998), (Waya, 2000), (Ibrahim, 2001a; 2001b), (Bello, 2003), (Saleh, 2006), (Abubakar, 2008), (Ibrahim, 2008), (Muhd, 2008), (Ɗan-Iya, 2020), and (Ɗanjuma, 2021) have all contributed to the documentation and analysis of Kano’s history.

Given the volume of existing literature, presenting a full historical narrative of the Kano Emirate in detail would only repeat what has already been well documented. Therefore, this study focuses only on key historical developments and major transformations that have shaped the emirate in recent times.

The Kano Emirate is one of the oldest and most established traditional institutions in Hausa land. Before the creation of Jigawa State from Kano State, there were four autonomous emirates within the former Kano territory, namely Hadejia, Gumel, Kazaure, and Kano itself.[3]

After Kano State became a single political entity, the Kano Emirate remained the only central emirate, with district heads under the leadership of the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero. He ruled Kano for fifty-one (51) years until his death in 2014. Following his death, Muhammadu Sanusi II was appointed as the new Emir of Kano and ruled for six (6) years.

During his reign, the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, created four new autonomous emirates in 2020.[4] These newly established emirates were:

  1. Bichi Emirate
  2. Gaya Emirate
  3. Rano Emirate
  4. Karaye Emirate

Following this restructuring, Muhammadu Sanusi II was made Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs, with the council headquarters located at Gidan Shattima in Soron Ɗinki, within Kano city. The government also introduced a law providing for the rotation of the chairmanship of the council every two years.

However, the creation of these new emirates led to political tension between the Kano Emirate and the Kano State Government. This crisis eventually resulted in the removal of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. Subsequently, Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed as the new Emir of Kano.

Later, the Kano State Government amended the initial law, which require the rotational leadership of the Council of Emirs, to maintaining the Emir of Kano as the permanent chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs. As a result, Kano State continued to recognize the four newly created emirates alongside the Kano Emirate.

With the emergence of a new government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, another major restructuring took place. The four newly created emirates were dissolved, and the 15th Emir of Kano was restored as the Emir of Kano with first-class status. Meanwhile, the emirs of Gaya, Rano, and Karaye were reinstated as second-class emirs.

1.4 The Status of Traditional Occupational Titles in the Kano Emirate

Within the traditional administrative structure of the Kano Emirate, the traditional occupational title holders are regarded as hakimai (Chiefs), and a hakimi occupies the second-highest level of authority in the emirate’s hierarchy, after the Emir himself.[5] This elevated status places them in positions of leadership over communities engaged in specific traditional occupations. They also serve as official representatives of the Emir at important gatherings, meetings, and ceremonies where the presence of occupational groups is required.[6]

In the Kano Emirate, the Emir personally appoints these hakimai as his representatives. They function as the “eyes of the Emir within their respective communities, monitoring activities and developments under their jurisdiction. Any serious issue or conflict that arises within these occupational groups does not go directly to the Emir; instead, it is first handled by these traditional/occupational leaders, who attempt to resolve the matter in line with tradition and authority. Only when necessary is the issue referred to the Emir.

All actions taken by these traditional occupational leaders are carried out in the name of the Emir. During their regular Friday homage visits to the Emir, they present reports on developments within their communities, the challenges encountered, and the actions they have taken. The Emir, in turn, offers appreciation and blessings for their service. Where mistakes occur in judgment or action, the Emir corrects and guides them to ensure better leadership and future accountability.

1.4.1 The Status of Sarkin Ɗori

Traditionally, the title of Sarkin Ɗori occupies a highly respected position because it is directly connected to public health and community wellbeing in Hausa society. Practitioners of ɗori (traditional bone-setting and treatment of bone-related injuries) maintain close relationships with the general population, as their profession is deeply linked to healthcare. Due to the nature of their work, they interact with all segments of society royalty and commoners, men and women alike since bone injuries and health problems affect everyone regardless of social status.

The Hausa community holds the title of Sarkin Ɗori in very high esteem because of the vital role the practitioners play in safeguarding public health, especially in the treatment of bone-related conditions such as dislocations, fractures, breaks, and other skeletal injuries. In Kano, traditional bone-setters (maɗora) are recognized as key contributors to community health, working tirelessly to restore physical wellbeing to individuals suffering from bone-related ailments.

Among the traditional rulers of Kano, the status of the ɗori institution is equally significant. Historically, the emergence of this title is closely linked to the treatment of wounded warriors in times of war, when bone-setters played crucial roles in caring for injured fighters. Because of their effectiveness and social importance, the Emir of Kano, Sarkin Kano Tukur, formally appointed a leader to head this professional group, thereby establishing the title of Sarkin Ɗori.

This historical foundation and continuous social relevance have given the title of Sarkin Ɗori a strong and well-established status among both the traditional rulers and the wider Hausa society. It is therefore recognized not merely as an occupational leadership role, but as a respected traditional institution deeply rooted in the cultural and social life of the Kano Emirate and Hausa land in general.

1.4.2 The Status of Sarkin Gini

The title of Sarkin Gini represents the leadership of the community of traditional builders (Magina) who are responsible for construction activities. These builders have made immense contributions to the development of human settlement in Kano and across Hausa land. In the distant past, people lived in caves, tree hollows, rocky shelters, and similar natural structures. Over time, this group of craftsmen developed building techniques that enabled people to construct proper houses, protect themselves, and provide shelter for their families and future generations. Because of this historical contribution, Hausa society accords great respect and value to traditional builders.

Within the traditional political system, the rulers of Kano have always held the title of Sarkin Gini in high esteem. This respect is rooted in the historical role of builders in protecting the city of Kano from external attacks in ancient times. They were responsible for constructing the defensive walls that surrounded Kano, known as the ganuwa or badala (city walls). In addition, they built the palace of Muhammadu Rumfa, which later became the central palace of the Kano Emirate.

As a result of these critical historical services, the traditional title of Sarkin Gini was formally established for this professional group. Up to the present day, holders of this title continue to perform important roles within the Kano Emirate. For instance, whenever a new Emir is installed, they perform the traditional ritual of opening the palace gate for him. In addition, all major construction and building-related works within the emirate remain under their supervision and responsibility. This continuous involvement in the physical and symbolic development of the emirate confirms the high status and lasting relevance of the title of Sarkin Gini.

1.4.3 The Status of Sarkin Fawa

Traditionally, the title of Sarkin Fawa in Kano is associated with a group of people whose occupation involves activities related to blood, waste, and unpleasant smells namely the Rundawa (butchers).[7] Because of the nature of their work, some members of society historically viewed them as “unclean,” a perception that led to social stigma and discrimination. In many cases, this negative perception resulted in ridicule and mockery, even among children, who sometimes insulted the children of butchers because of their parents’ occupation.

Some early scholars, such as Harris (1934) and Adamu (1978), linked butchers with servile social status, portraying them as socially inferior and detached from the traditional aristocratic structure. This perception contributed to their marginalization, including social exclusion in marriage relations and other community interactions. Historically, tasks such as the burial of dead animals including royal horses were assigned to them, further reinforcing their stigmatized position.

Despite these social challenges, the Sarkin Fawa is also widely recognized for positive personal and professional qualities. He is often seen as a hardworking, resilient, and courageous individual, especially considering the demanding nature of the profession, which involves acquiring livestock, slaughtering animals, and supplying meat for public consumption. In terms of character, the Sarkin Fawa is commonly described as sociable and friendly, maintaining close and interactive relationships with customers and community members.

From the perspective of Islam, the status of the Sarkin Fawa is particularly significant. The profession plays a vital religious role in ensuring that animals slaughtered for consumption are done in accordance with Islamic law (Halal). Animals forbidden by Islam are not slaughtered for consumption, and those that are permitted must be slaughtered following strict religious guidelines. For this reason, the Sarkin Fawa traditionally appoints a qualified Islamic scholar (Malamin yanka) who is responsible for performing or supervising the slaughtering process according to Islamic principles.[8]

This arrangement not only ensures religious compliance but also protects the wider community from consuming unlawful meat. It also reflects an institutional response to the social stigma historically associated with the profession, transforming it into a regulated and religiously respected occupation. As such, despite historical discrimination, the title of Sarkin Fawa holds an important functional, religious, and social position within the Kano Emirate and Hausa society at large.[9]

1.4.4 The Status of Sarkin Ƙira

The status of the title of Sarkin Ƙira refers to the respect, dignity, and social value accorded to him by Hausa society based on the importance of the occupation he leads. The Sarkin Ƙira is the leader of the community of craftsmen who produce essential farming tools used in agricultural activities. These tools include implements such as Ploughs (Garma), Hoes (Fartanya), Sickles (Lauje), Axes (Gatari), and many others. Without these tools, farming activities would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the community.

Because of this, the Sarkin Ƙira occupies a special and highly respected position in society. The profession he represents does not only support agriculture, but also contributes directly to the development of other traditional Hausa occupations. The tools produced by craftsmen are used across various professions such as butchery (fawa), farming (noma), traditional medicine (Magungunan Gargajiya), barbing (wanzanci), farauta (hunting) and several other indigenous trades. In this way, the craft profession serves as a foundational occupation that supports and sustains many other aspects of Hausa economic and social life.

This interconnected role gives the profession of ƙira, and by extension the title of Sarkin Ƙira, a unique and strategic position within the traditional occupational structure of Hausa society. It is not merely a craft occupation, but a central pillar of traditional economic production and community survival.

Regarding the status of the craft profession, Rimmer et al. (1948:116) recorded a praise poem (kirari) recited by Baba Maƙeri, in which he celebrated himself and emphasized the importance and dignity of the craft profession. He expressed pride in his work and highlighted the value of craftsmanship in sustaining society, thereby reinforcing the high cultural and symbolic status of ƙira within Hausa traditional life. He stated that:

 “Sai ni baƙi, dodon ƙarfe, mai amana da maharba!

 Da ba domin taya ba, da na yi mota!

 Ba don ni ba, da ƙasa ta yi saura!

 Kai, ba don ni ba, da maza sun yi gizo!

 Sai ni na Ali, gatan kaka, mai abin mamaki!

 Ƙarya kuke, magauta,

 Sai na gaji na bari don kaina!”

Baba Maƙeri, in his praise poem (kirari) about the craft profession (ƙira), highlights the importance, dignity, and social trust embedded in this occupation. He emphasizes that craftsmen are entrusted with critical tasks, especially producing tools and equipment used by hunters and warriors, showing that their work requires skill, precision, and mutual understanding with other professions. He proudly asserts his mastery, noting that he is not a mere apprentice but a true expert. In his view, tools are not just made of wood or iron they are the means by which work and survival are possible. Without the craft of ƙira, agricultural productivity would be severely limited, as the essential tools for farming would not exist.

The kirari also highlights the broader social value of the craft profession. In Hausa society, the Sarkin Ƙira is respected not only for the tools he produces but also for aiding other trades and activities. For instance, women, rely especially on the Sarkin Fari,[10] for items such as cooking implements, jewelry, and protective tools. Similarly, other members of society depend on the work of craftsmen for defensive and practical tools like arrows, guns, and gates. Without them, people would lack the means to protect themselves and sustain their livelihoods.

Traditionally, the Sarkin Ƙira is recognized for good interpersonal relations with nearly all other traditional occupational groups. He is often praised in the saying, “Komai da ruwanka,” reflecting his respected and supportive role in Hausa craftsmanship. He is admired for resilience and endurance, as the work requires dealing with intense heat, heavy labor, and the challenges of metalwork and fabrication. Despite these hardships, Sarkin Ƙira and his craftsmen approach their work with skills, a sense of joy, pride, and dedication.

In the eyes of the Hausa rulers, the Sarkin Ƙira is highly respected because his profession directly contributes to essential cultural and social functions. He produces war tools, ceremonial items, gates, and other critical implements, demonstrating the central role of craftsmanship in sustaining both the economy and social structure of Hausa society. Some scholars note that without skilled craftsmen, many traditional occupations could not function effectively.

1.6 Discussion of Findings

This section discusses the findings of the study in relation to the Structural Theory of Culture, which serves as the theoretical foundation of this research. The theory views society as an organized system made up of different institutions and social roles that work together to maintain order, stability, and continuity. Scholars such as Ferdinand de Saussure, Emile Durkheim, and A. R. Radcliffe-Brown argue that social life is structured through organized relationships and institutions that guide how individuals interact within a community.

From this perspective, traditional institutions are important components of the social structure because they help regulate behaviour and organize community life. In the case of the Kano Emirate, traditional occupational titles form part of this broader social structure. These titles represent organized systems of leadership within different professional groups, and they contribute to the effective functioning of the emirate’s traditional political system.

The findings of this study reveal that traditional occupational titles operate as extensions of the authority of the Emir. This reflects the structural nature of leadership in the emirate, where authority is distributed through a hierarchical system. While the Emir remains the central authority, occupational leaders assist in administering different segments of society by supervising professional groups and maintaining order among their members. This arrangement clearly demonstrates how traditional leadership structures help to organize social relations and ensure stability within the emirate.

Another important finding is the role played by occupational leaders in maintaining harmony within their communities. Leaders such as Sarkin Fawa, Sarkin Ɗori, Sarkin Gini, and Sarkin Ƙira serve as mediators and coordinators within their respective professions. They resolve disputes, guide their followers, and ensure that professional activities are carried out in an orderly manner. In this way, they contribute to the maintenance of peaceful relationships and social stability, which is consistent with the structural theory’s view that institutions function to sustain the overall balance of society.

The study further highlights the specialized roles performed by each occupational title. For instance, Sarkin Ɗori supervises traditional bone-setters who provide treatment for fractures, dislocations, and other bone-related injuries. This service plays an important role in community healthcare. Similarly, Sarkin Fawa oversees the activities of butchers and ensures that animals are slaughtered in accordance with Islamic principles, thereby safeguarding both religious standards and public health.

In the same way, Sarkin Gini leads traditional builders who are responsible for constructing houses, palaces, and defensive city walls. Their work has historically contributed to the physical development and protection of the Kano Emirate. On the other hand, Sarkin Ƙira supervises craftsmen who produce essential tools used in farming, hunting, and other traditional occupations. These tools support economic activities and make it possible for many other professions to function effectively.

Viewed from the perspective of the Structural Theory of Culture, these occupational groups represent different but interconnected components of the wider social system. Each group performs specific functions that contribute to the survival, organization, and continuity of society. Through their leadership roles, occupational title holders help coordinate professional activities, preserve traditional knowledge, and strengthen the authority of the emirate’s political structure.

Overall, the findings of this study show that traditional occupational titles are not merely ceremonial positions but important institutions embedded within the social structure of the Kano Emirate. By providing leadership, regulating professional practices, and maintaining social harmony, these titles continue to play a significant role in sustaining the cultural and institutional life of Hausa society.

1.6 Conclusion

This study examined the objectives of research, the methodological approaches, and the theoretical framework employed, particularly the Structural Theory of Culture. It engaged with knowledgeable scholars, and analyzing the four occupational titles as a research sample. Key terms such as status, kingship (sarauta), occupation (sana’a), and the historical development of the Kano Emirate were also clarified. The study concluded that traditional occupational titles are integral to governance, social harmony, and cultural continuity in the Kano Emirate. It further confirmed the significance and influence of Sarkin Ɗori, Sarkin Fawa, Sarkin Gini, and Sarkin Ƙira, showing how each title contributes uniquely to the social, economic, and religious life of the traditional Hausa society.

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[1] Alhassan da Wasu (1988:67). Zaman Hausawa. Bugu na Biyu. Lagos: Islamic Publications Bureau.

[2] A discussion was held with the Ɗanrimin Kano, Alhaji Sarki Waziri, at his office in the headquarters of the Kano Emirate Council, on Tuesday, 5/4/2022, at approximately 3:20 PM.

[3] However, currently, the Hadiza, Gumel, and Kazaure Emirates were removed from Kano State and have come under the administration of Jigawa State.

[4] This followed a misunderstanding between the Kano Emirate and the Governor of Kano, which led to the creation of additional Emirates in order to reduce the power of this Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

[5] In the Kano Emirate system, these rulers are not district or town chiefs; they are traditional title holders known as ‘Hakimai Masu Alkyabba.’ They do not govern a town, but rather a specific group of people, usually those engaged in a particular traditional craft or occupation.

[6] For example, in events like traditional craft exhibitions and World Hausa Day celebrations held at some universities and colleges, especially in Northern Nigeria.

[7] Harris (1948:315) reported that the term ‘Bangaro’ is used to distinguish the king’s servants from the rest of the community members who have no connection to the royalty. Those without royal ties are referred to as ‘Runji’ or ‘Rundawa.

[8] In some places, it is not necessary for a person to be of royal lineage; what is desired is for them to be a scholar of religious knowledge.

[9] A discussion was held with the Emir of Fawan Kano, Alhaji Isiyaku Alin Muli, at his office in Abattoir, Kano city, on Wednesday, 6/9/2023, at approximately 11:30 AM.

[10] He is the head of the artisans who craft women’s jewelry and similar items.

 FUGUSAU

This article is published in ALQALAM: A Journal of Language and Literary Studies, FUGUS, Volume 1, Issue 2 - June 2026

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